Okay, guys! Today’s interview is with one of my favorite I gals!! Carrie, from @stellatide, is such a beautiful light in the Instagram world. Her content constantly makes me smile and her jewelry is stunning!! So, I couldn’t be happier to get to interview her!! I’m telling you, we need more people in the world who are willing to just follow Christ’s will in their lives as so many of these beautiful women do!!

Sooo, I hope you all enjoy hearing Carrie’s story!! Be sure to give her some love on her website, www.stellatide.com, and on Insta, @stellatide!!! Enjoy the interview!!!

+ For those who aren’t familiar with you, please introduce yourself and your business?

My name is Carrie Khodanian, I’m currently living in the midwest with my husband, Gary (we’re moving back down South in a few months!), I’m a new Catholic, and I have a handmade jewelry shop called Stella & Tide.

+ When did your relationship with Christ first take root in your life? What encouraged you to strive for a deeper relationship with God?

I was very young when I first noticed that I had a serious relationship with Christ, but it wasn’t until I converted to Catholicism that I felt closer to God than I ever had before. When I was in college, I was going to a protestant church that was very much watered down and I struggled with why I wasn’t growing in my relationship with God. I honestly thought I knew everything there was to be known when it came to Christianity. However, God definitely had other plans for me! When I found the Catholic church, I dove into learning about Catholicism and knew there was no way I’d probably even scratch the surface about its mysteries in my lifetime (and that’s the way I like it!). Since converting, I’ve been reading anything I can get my hands on, praying prayers I’ve never heard before, and spending time in the presence of our Lord revealed in the eucharist.

+ How do you intentionally choose joy in your daily life?

I choose joy in my daily life by thanking God every day for what He’s given me – the opportunity to do what I love. I wake up each day and remind myself that I have this opportunity and talents that were given specifically to me. I have two choices: waste them or use them. I choose using them for the glory of God!

+ You own and operate a beautiful jewelry shop called Stella + Tide. What drew you to start a jewelry business and represent your faith in this way?

I’ve always wanted to own my own business and be my own boss. However, I knew that I would have to do something meaningful to make it worth my while. I started making jewelry when I was young and found it as a creative hobby while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my career after college. I decided to start selling my jewelry because I was unable to find dainty, unique pieces that were my style and at an affordable price point. During this process, I ended up making myself a miraculous medal necklace and received so many questions about it, so I began selling Catholic jewelry!

+ Do you have a background in design? If not, how did you learn to design jewelry so beautifully?

Honestly, I have no background in design! I’ve always been creative and was more of a drawing/painting kind of girl, but fell in love with making my own jewelry in 2017.

+ How do you find inspiration for your designs? What inspires you, in business, and in life?

I find inspiration for my designs in my faith and my surroundings. I think there is beauty in simplicity and that’s what I try to portray in my designs. My favorite ways to get inspired are to visit a Catholic church or travel to a new place!

+ Let’s talk about fear for a second. It can be nerve-wrecking to start a business, or do anything new. How have you learned to overcome fear as you try new things and run a small business?

It all goes back to mindset! I studied business in college and one of my entrepreneurship professors said you have to overcome this idea of having to be perfect by just putting yourself out there and getting started! You can always perfect your business as you go and I think that’s what I have done. I’m still learning each and every day and my hope is that I’m always humble in my way of thinking – that I’m never above learning something new or taking advice from someone who has been there.

+ What is your hope through sharing these beautiful pieces? Your mission?

My hope is that my jewelry initiates conversations about the Catholic faith for the women who wear my pieces. While wearing my Catholic jewelry, I always love sharing my faith and story with someone who asks about or notices the piece I have on. I’m dedicated to spreading and affirming the true Christian faith for women across the world in “the little way” of offering dainty jewelry that is handmade with the utmost love. I also hope to inspire other women to start their own businesses. Business is a huge passion of mine and I want other women to know it’s possible for them too.

+ How has this business strengthened your faith? What lessons have you learned?

I’ve tried and failed, I’ve found desperation, and I’ve wanted to quit. In those times, I’ve turned to God and asked Him to make my business what He wants it to be. I’ve learned that though I may fail, if it’s God’s will, I’m willing to accept whatever He gives me.

+ What would you say to someone who wants to step out in faith and try something new for the Lord? How would you encourage them?

I would say go for it! Sure, in life we will experience failures, but that’s what makes the journey worth doing. I love the quote by Thomas Edison who, when speaking about failing to create the light bulb said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” All you need is a little bit of optimism and a whole lot of faith! If you don’t go for it, you’ll always wonder whether or not it would’ve worked out.